The whole article just seemed like one silly anecdote. "Well these are the books I actually read so it must be the same for everyone."

I think the author's next read should be a good statistics book.

Here's my anecdotal evidence. I have read 8 out of 10 from his first list. I have read everything except for TAOCP from the second list. Some of the ones from the second list I have read multiple times and I still go back too as reference from time to time.

I have started reading TAOCP on several occasions, but I'm not going to lie; that shit is complicated and the dry academic nature makes it even worse to parse. I still plan to get through it in my lifetime, but I keep prioritizing easier reading.